Vehicle Antenna Assembly Segmentation for Reception and Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna assemblies for motor vehicles lack effective protection and optimal fluidic positioning, which can impact radio reception and aesthetic appeal while potentially increasing drag coefficient.

Innovation Solution

An antenna assembly with an antenna rod on the exterior and an antenna base module positioned between the vehicle body panel and shell, featuring additional receiver elements and an integrated electronic system, is designed to be space-efficient, protected, and aesthetically integrated, with a coupling and holding device to secure the rod, using non-metallic materials to avoid electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the antenna base module is arranged below the outer panel component, then the antenna assembly is better protected from environmental influences and meets aesthetic demands, but the antenna rod cannot be optimally positioned for good radio reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of antenna base moduleVSAvoidpositioning of antenna rod for reception
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna assembly is divided into two separate components: the antenna rod positioned on the exterior side of the outer panel component for optimal reception, and the antenna base module positioned between the outer panel component and vehicle body shell component for protection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-location arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration where the antenna rod extends outward from the vehicle body while the base module is integrated into the body structure. This spatial separation in different dimensions enables both optimal reception positioning and protected base module arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the antenna base module is arranged below the outer panel component, then aesthetic demands are met with little or no visible impairment, but the drag coefficient may be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic integrationVSAvoiddrag coefficient
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer panel component is designed with a localized opening or recess specifically positioned to accommodate the antenna base module. This local adaptation allows the base module to be integrated into the vehicle body structure without significantly disrupting the overall aerodynamic shape, thus minimizing drag increase while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the antenna rod is detachably fastened to the antenna base module, then the antenna assembly offers ease of installation and maintenance, but the connection reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and maintenanceVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling device is pre-integrated into the antenna base module, designed to securely receive and hold the antenna rod. This preliminary preparation of the coupling mechanism ensures that when the antenna rod is attached, it forms a reliable connection that maintains stability during vehicle operation while still allowing for future detachment if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances radio wave reception, protects the electronic components from environmental influences, maintains a low drag coefficient, and provides a seamless aesthetic integration, while allowing for additional features like DAB, GPS, and TV reception without visible impairment.

Implementation Method 1

the antenna rod being appropriately designed for a reception of electromagnetic waves, particularly radio waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9893416B2Antenna assembly for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle having an antenna assembly
Publication Date: 2018.02.13 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • US9893416B2 patent drawing
  • US9893416B2 patent drawing
  • US9893416B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna assembly for a motor vehicle particularly has an antenna rod and an antenna base module. The antenna base module is arranged between an outer panel component of the vehicle body and a vehicle body shell component. Furthermore, the antenna rod is arranged on an exterior side of the outer panel component of the vehicle body.